News Release

LDS Charities Donation Improves Blood Testing in Ghana

A donation of equipment by LDS Charities – the humanitarian arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – just made life easier for patients and medical providers at Mayera-Faase Health Post in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.

 

A ceremony to formalize the donation was held February 23, 2017.

Lab technician Samari Abdul-Mumin said, “Our work will be completed much faster and with more accurate results. This technology helps eliminate the ‘human error factor’ as we complete blood testing for our patients.”

LDS Charities donated an automated hematology analyzer to the clinic. Handheld units were also donated for use during a power outage or when the lab is closed and nurses need lifesaving information. The donated equipment eliminates slide preparation, microscope work and human errors due to fatigue of the technicians.

Harriet Koomson, a general nurse, said the majority of patients coming to the clinic present symptoms of malaria. “Now our patients do not have to wait three or four hours for a diagnosis. We can get results in 10 minutes or less. Our patients will be treated faster and properly,” she said.

Dr. Doris Arhim, Health Director of the Greater Accra West Municipality, graciously thanked the Church for its donation.
 

“Both leaders and patients in our community have seen your Church as a blessing,” Dr. Arhim said. “You are trying to help all people, not just those who go to your Church. We thank you and hope God will help you.” 

Enoch Aninagyei, Director of Laboratories for Ghana Health Service (GHS) said he appreciated the partnership LDS Charities has developed with GHS over the past years.

“We depend on your assistance for supplies and equipment we are not able to obtain any other way,” he said. “The donations from your members help improve the lives of many people in Ghana and throughout the world.”

Elder Alvin Nay, humanitarian specialist for LDS Charities, reported that the equipment was purchased in Ghana after medical professionals in Ghana identified the needs they had on the ground. “A local solution to a local problem works best for LDS Charities,” he said.

Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.